10 Automotive Predictions for 2012

This week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit gave us a taste of the year to come in cars. But what exactly should we expect for 2012? Here are our 10 prognostications for automotive trends and news for the next 12 months.

1. New C7 Corvette Won’t Be Revolutionary

1. New C7 Corvette Won’t Be Revolutionary

The next generation Corvette, the 2014 C7, won’t debut until early next year. But as 2013 creeps closer, we probably will learn much about the all-new ’Vette—and what we learn probably won’t shock or awe anyone.

Every new generation of Corvette spawns wild rumors of incredible technology and revolutionary powertrains. Since the 1970s, we’ve heard that the next “new Corvette” will be midengined and perhaps it will use a turbocharged V-6 or a rotary engine. It might also have wild bodywork. And yet, as far back as the 1950s, Corvettes have used a rear-wheel-drive chassis with a V-8 upfront. And for the past 40 years, Corvette styling has evolved consistently, like the Porsche 911’s. There have been no great leaps in styling since 1968.

The new C7 probably won’t be any different. There most likely won’t be any radical split-rear-window as a nod to the ’60s. A V-8 with around 450 hp will probably live under the car’s hood. We expect the new interior to be much upgraded over the current car, perhaps offering GM’s new Cue infotainment system. That might just be the most revolutionary part of the new car: a truly modern Corvette interior.

2. The Revitalized Dodge Dart Dominates

2. The Revitalized Dodge Dart Dominates

Currently, Dodge doesn’t have a small car to compete with Ford’s Focus or Chevy’s Cruze. But that will soon change. The new Dodge Dart, officially unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, hits the streets later this year.

The Dart will borrow much from Chrylser’s parent company, Fiat. And that’s good news: Considering how many small cars Fiat and its sister brands produce for Europe, it should know how to produce a class-leading compact. Ford’s new Focus was developed entirely by the company’s European arm. And Chevy’s Cruze was engineered with the European market in mind too.

So if Ford and GM can create good compacts by harnessing the talents of their European arms, why can’t Chrysler? The Alfa Romeo–based Dart should be a solid competitor for the Focus and Cruze. It will be available with two naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines (160 hp 2.0-liter and a 184 hp 2.4-liter) and a turbocharged 1.4-liter motor also with 160 hp. Transmission choices include a manual gearbox and an automated dual clutch manual. Chrysler has said the Dart posted a combined rating of 40 mpg in testing. Now, those are the company’s internal test figures, and the EPA fuel economy numbers will likely be lower. But we think the new Dart might be one of the biggest hits for 2012.